Klone – Meanwhile
Klone – Meanwhile
Rockshots Records
Release Date: 10/02/23
Running Time: 53:17
Review by Paul Hutchings
9/10
Nearly quarter of a century into their musical journey and French outfit Klone are at long last established as a major outfit in the world of Art-Rock and all things Progressive. It’s been years since I’ve seen them, as supports with Gojira and Orphaned Land over a decade ago in fact, but I’ve followed their music from the edges, never fully investing but always finding their emotive and expansive sound interesting, intriguing and at times uplifting. Their last studio album “Le Grand Voyage” was excellent, whilst their live release “Alive” during the pandemic provided a record for prosperity of their towering power in front of a crowd.
“Meanwhile” is the band’s seventh full-length and was recorded in February 2022 with producer Chris Edrich (TesseracT, Leprous, etc). It’s a glorious piece of work and exemplifies all that is good about the band from Poitiers. Sweeping soundscapes abound, with sprawling passages of complex and intricate musicianship, all topped off with the delicate and rich vocals of Yann Ligner.
Klone’s musical journey has seen them evolve from a much harder edged, somewhat musically confused outfit into a sumptuous extravaganza. Tracks like Bystander now include saxophone, driving riffs and powerful breakdowns. Think Wheel, Tool, Leprous and Soen. Klone can stand alongside all. Having developed a signature sound, Klone have now moved further into their development, the sprawling textures they sonically paint working in harmony with their melodious passages of musical genius.
It’s difficult to pick out highlights on “Meanwhile”, for each track soars with a majestic flight. The riffs remain, keeping a steely edge to the band’s sound, a reminder of their more Metal days. There are odd time signatures, such as opener ‘Within Reach’, whilst the truly moving power of ‘Night and Day’ is another stunning composition. The visceral edge that rages underneath the surface of ‘Disobedience’ provides additional change of tempo.
What’s also noticeable is that Klone have kept their music concise, with songs rarely longer than five minutes. This allows instant impact but also provides opportunity to dive deep without fear of exhaustion. Klone have now established their signature sound and style. “Meanwhile” is a perfectly crafted piece of work, which will stand at the top of their discography. They are supporting the mighty Devin Townsend in the spring, at a gig which is likely to be one of the best of 2023.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Within Reach
02. Blink Of an Eye
03. Bystander
04. Scarcity
05. Elusive
06. Apnea
07. The Unknown
08. Night And Day
09. Disobedience
10. Meanwhile
LINE-UP:
Yann Ligner – Vocals
Guillaume Bernard – Guitar
Aldrick Guadagnino – Guitar
Morgan Berthet – Drums
Enzo Alfano – Bass
LINKS:
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